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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens: A Scenic Wildlife Sanctuary in the Cotswolds

Explore 160 acres of immersive wildlife and stunning gardens at Cotswold Wildlife Park, where nature and adventure meet in the heart of the Cotswolds.

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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is a sprawling 160-acre wildlife sanctuary near Burford, England, offering visitors immersive encounters with over 260 animal species in beautifully landscaped grounds. The park blends a walking safari feel with stunning gardens, featuring animals like giraffes, rhinos, lemurs, and penguins. With free parking, accessible paths, and family-friendly facilities, it’s a perfect day out for all ages.

A brief summary to Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

  • Burford, Bradwell Grove, OX18 4JP, GB
  • +441993823006
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 3.5 to 6 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase e-tickets online in advance to save money and secure your preferred visit date.
  • Allow at least four hours to explore the extensive park and enjoy animal talks and feedings.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the many scenic picnic areas throughout the park.
  • Dogs on short leads are welcome in most areas, making it a great outing for pet owners.
  • Use the free wheelchair hire service by booking in advance to ensure accessibility.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to Cotswold Wildlife Park from Burford takes approximately 10-15 minutes via local roads. Free parking is available on-site with ample spaces, including disabled parking. Note that the park is closed on Christmas Day and may have limited weekday openings in winter.

  • Train and Bus

    Travelers can take a train to Kingham station (about 15 km away) or Oxford station (about 40 km away), followed by a local bus or taxi to the park. Bus services run less frequently on weekends and holidays, so check schedules in advance. Taxi rides from Kingham take around 20 minutes.

  • Bicycle

    For active visitors, cycling to the park is possible via rural roads and cycle paths from Burford or nearby villages. The terrain is mostly flat with some gentle hills. Secure bike parking is available near the entrance.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

A Living Sanctuary in the Heart of the Cotswolds

Nestled within the picturesque Bradwell Grove estate near Burford, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens spans 160 acres of gently rolling parkland. This expansive site is home to more than 260 species of animals, from towering giraffes and grazing rhinos to playful lemurs and curious penguins. The park’s design emphasizes spacious, naturalistic enclosures with minimal fencing, allowing visitors to feel immersed in a walking safari experience rather than a traditional zoo visit.

Gardens as a Stunning Backdrop

Beyond the diverse animal collection, the park is renowned for its beautifully maintained gardens and themed borders. These gardens provide a vibrant and colorful setting that enhances the wildlife viewing experience. Visitors can stroll through the Walled Garden, home to meerkats, otters, prairie dogs, and tropical birds, including free-roaming sloths and bats, creating a unique blend of horticulture and wildlife.

Engaging Activities and Facilities for All Ages

Families and visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences such as daily penguin feedings at 11 am and 3 pm, lemur talks at noon, and a children’s farmyard where kids can pet goats. The Adventure Playground offers treehouses, rope bridges, and slides, providing a fun and safe environment for children to explore. The park also features a large reptile house with crocodiles, lizards, frogs, and venomous snakes, as well as an insect house and bat house.

Accessibility and Visitor Comfort

The park prides itself on being 99% accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with wide, flat paths and disabled toilets situated throughout. Free parking is available, and visitors can access their cars at any time during their visit. Dogs on short leads are welcome in most areas, except where animals roam freely. Multiple kiosks and a licensed café offer a range of food and drink options, and there are plenty of picnic areas and seating spots scattered across the grounds.

Seasonal Hours and Visiting Tips

Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm during winter months, with extended hours to 6 pm in summer, the park encourages visitors to allow at least four hours to fully explore its vast grounds. The Madagascar exhibit closes earlier to ensure animal welfare. Advance e-tickets are available at a discount online, and the park occasionally closes on weekdays during winter for maintenance. Visitors are advised to check current opening times and any temporary restrictions before planning their trip.

A Blend of Conservation, Education, and Enjoyment

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is more than a tourist attraction; it is a conservation-focused sanctuary that provides educational talks and animal feeding demonstrations. The park’s commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship is evident in its carefully landscaped habitats and biosecurity measures. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or a nature lover seeking tranquility, the park offers a rich and memorable experience.

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